Bryce Eggers said he and the Holland Christian place kickers practice once a week, if ever.

The lack of experience showed when an extra point attempt was blocked, but Eggers redeemed himself on the biggest stage.

The sophomore backup kicker split the uprights on a 27-yard game-winning field goal to down Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 30-28 on Friday at Holland Christian. Eggers – a varsity soccer player – was filling in for starter Cody Machiela, who was out with a neck injury.

“It’s the best experience I’ve ever had,” Eggers said. “I’ve had a lot of soccer experiences, but this is undoubtedly my happiest moment ever in my life.”

The game was tied three times and there were five lead changes in this close battle.

Eggers was called into service when the Maroons began a drive at the 38 yard line with 1 minute, 17 seconds left to play down 28-27. A roughing the passer penalty on the Cougars moved the ball into Catholic Central (3-2) territory, and then quarterback Caleb VanderLugt heaved a ball down the left sideline to Isaac Boes.

Boes elevated to make the catch at the 10-yard line, but when he fell, the ball squirmed out and onto the turf. One referee signaled the pass incomplete, and another ruled it a complete pass. The call stood as complete pass to the bewilderment of Cougars players.

After a few failed running attempts and throws into the end zone, Eggers took to the field on fourth down with 20 seconds to play.

“They called a timeout and I just got down on one knee and I just prayed,” he said. “I did not want to let my teammates down. I knew they would have my back if I missed it or not.

“It was a great snap and a great hold. Everything legitimately was quiet. I know it wasn’t quiet, but it was quiet. It was just silence. I ran up and kicked it as hard as I could.”

The successful attempt ignited the Maroons (2-3) sideline, and a last chance throw downfield was batted down to seal the win. The Holland Christian student section then stormed the field, and Boes along with another Maroons players, carried Eggers off the field.

Boes also had a career game. The senior broke the school record for interceptions in a game with three, while catching six passes for 59 yards.

“They had their best wide receiver on the outside and he was running hitches, so I would undercut him and I guess the quarterback didn’t see me,” Boes said. “All three of them were off of hitches.”

The receiving corps for Holland Christian bore the load on offense. Catholic central gave up just 54 yards rushing.

Page 2 of 2 - “They have two very good linebackers and we were having trouble blocking them,” Maroons coach Jim Caserta said. “They were getting to the edge fast and they are good players.”

VanderLugt completed 25 of 33 passes for 252 yards and threw four touchdown passes. He tallied one interception – the only Holland Christian turnover in the game.

“(Caleb) threw some great balls tonight,” Caserta said. “He took some hits and they brought pressure. Caleb is never going to quit and he can handle tough situations and make big plays for us.”

Kyle Steigenga led the way on offense with nine catches for 93 yards and three touchdown receptions. Matt DeKock paced the offense with 18 tackles including one for a loss.